Riding the rails: Switzerland

A Swiss Trip

Switzerland is smaller than Vermont and New Hampshire combined. That, and the Swiss penchant for efficiency, means travel from city to city by rail is easy and scenic. Here’s my “To Do” list for the following destinations, which are all short train rides apart:

Interlaken

1. Ride the cable car to Harder Kulm to sightsee, eat and
hike. It’s a must.

2. Take a private walking tour with Sandra Kaiser — she
knows all the off the beaten path sites.

3. Stroll through Hohematte Park in the middle of town.
There’s a spectacular view of the Swiss Alps. If you are adventurous, try hang
gliding.

4. Although it’s a winter dish, many Interlaken restaurants
serve fondue year-round. Shops along the main street sell Swiss chocolate.

5. Stay at the Hotel City Oberland. It’s centrally located
and comfortable. Request a room in the new section.

Geneva

1. Purchase the Geneva Pass, available in 24-, 48- or
72-hour segments. It’s a perfect way to explore the city. It includes free
admission or discounts for museums, cruises, public transportation and more
than 50 attractions.

2. Explore the Old Town Arts District and then walk to the
historic Brunswick Monument. Have lunch at the charming Cottage Cafe while
there.

Lake Geneva’s Water Fountain

3. Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Switzerland and one of
the biggest bodies of fresh water in Europe. Don’t miss a sightseeing cruise or
a ferry ride for an up close look at the lakefront homes and Geneva’s most
famous landmark, its water fountain.

4. Find a local farmers market/street fair for an array of
food items and crafts.

5. Stay at the elegant Hotel Ambassador with great views of
Lake Geneva. It has a perfect location plus a superior buffet breakfast
(included in the rate).

Lausanne/Vevey

Nestle’s fork

1. Visit Lausanne’s Old Town, the local markets and stroll
the promenade along Lake Geneva. Look for Nestle’s fork in the lake in Vevey
and (Charlie) Chaplain’s World. Don’t miss the Olympic Museum.

2. Dine at Brasserie de Montbenon located in a park-like
setting overlooking Lake Geneva.

3. Hike the 12th century vineyards of Lavaux (a Unesco World
Heritage Site) with oenophile and guide Matthew Richards.

5. Stay at the renovated Hotel de la Paix overlooking Lake
Geneva with a wonderful view of the Alps. A sumptuous buffet breakfast is
included. The train station is less than 10 minutes walk away.

Montreux

1. Visit Chillon Castle located on a rock on the banks of
Lake Geneva. It’s the most visited historic building in Switzerland. It was the
residence and toll station for nearly 400 hundred years of the counts of Savoy.
The castle inspired Lord Byron to write his poem, “The Prisoner of Chillon.”

2. Check the calendar for music festivals. The Montreux Jazz
Festival in June and July, is one of the most famous in the world.

3. If you are feeling lucky, stop by the Casino Barriere,
the largest gambling establishment in Switzer-land.

4. Wander through Montreux’s picturesque Old Town.

5. Stay at the historic Grand Hotel Suisse-Magestic
overlooking Lake Geneva with spectacular views of the French Alps. It’s a
classy place with updated rooms and a wonderful breakfast buffet.

Note: Lausanne, Vevey, and Montrose are known as the Swiss
Riviera.

Travel tips

Edelweiss Air offers seasonal nonstop flights from San Diego to Zurich, May through September. They also fly from Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando and Tampa Bay. Flight schedules can be found at www.FlyEdelweiss.com/en.

The Swiss Travel Pass is available in 3-, 4-, 8- or 15-day
increments. This all-in-one ticket allows use of rail, bus and boat
transportation, free entry to more than 500 museums and 50 percent discounts on
many mountain excursions. Treat yourself to a first class upgrade, especially
in high season.

Further information about Interlaken, Geneva, Lausanne,
Vevey, Montreux, including the sightseeing mentioned, can be found at www.MySwitzerland.com (use the search option). Download the Swiss Travel Guide app (iOS or Android). It features more than 500 Swiss highlights that you can add to your travel via an integrated map.

Information

Guides: Sandra Kaiser’s (Interlaken) email is
SandraKaiser@bluewin.ch

Matthew Richards’ (Lavaux vineyard region) website is www.WalkandTalk.ch and his email is MatthewRic@gmail.com

Where to eat

Although food seems expensive, keep in mind a tip is built
in. For an inexpensive snack, carryout lunch or dinner, plus wine and beer, try
the COOP or Migros chain of stores throughout Switzerland. Larger train
stations offer food, restaurants and shopping in mall-like settings.